Narodni Divadlo Parking

The National Theatre in Prague is the most important theater and opera house in the Czech capital and is considered a national symbol. Located on the Vltava River in the New Town, the building was constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style and opened in 1881. Its history is closely tied to the Czech national movement, as the construction was funded by donations from the Bohemian lands, lotteries, and contributions from the imperial house and the nobility. The architect Josef Zítek won the competition for the project, while the interior decoration was overseen by a commission led by Karel Sladkovský. Inspired by Slavic mythology and medieval manuscripts, renowned artists such as Mikoláš Aleš and Vojtěch Hynais worked on the decoration.

After its early opening in 1881 with Smetana's opera Libuše, a fire destroyed the stage and auditorium that same year. Thanks to a renewed fundraising campaign and insurance payments, the house was rebuilt under the direction of Josef Schulz and reopened in 1883. In the 1980s, the building underwent a thorough restoration, and at the same time the Nová scéna, a modern stage in the Brutalist style, was added. Today, the institution includes not only the historic main building and the New Stage but also the Estates Theatre in the Old Town and the Karlín Musical Theatre. Since 2012, the Prague State Opera has been part of the National Theatre, bringing the two major Prague opera houses together under one institution. Here you can enjoy a varied program of opera, ballet, and drama.